One day Huang Sanku, a Confucian scholar asked
Hui-tang Tsu-hsin (1025-1100), one of the well known
Chinese Ch'an masters:
-What is the Great meaning of Budhha dharmas?
Hui-tang replied:
-Confucius once said: "I hide...
continue...

The majority of the following books are from the library of Chon Tri. Many of the summaries and in his own words. If you wish to purchase the book, click on the cover image and you will be linked to Amazon.com.

SummaryThis is perhaps the best introduction to Zen that he [D.T. Suzuki] has written. He is concrete, as Zen itself is concrete. By means of a direct and succint description of the training that Zen Buddhist monk undergoes, he has givne us the most precise picture possible of Zen in life. The forty-three illustrations give a unique value to the book. The artist, Zenchu Sato, has depicted here the record of his own experiences in going through all the disciplinary measures pertaining to the life of Zen. (From the back flap of the book)

SummaryHere is a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism for those who don't know how or where to begin, nor what to expect once they have started practicing. It includes the fundamentals of meditation practice (posture, technique, clothing), descriptions of the basic teachings and major texts, the teacher-student relationship, and what you will find when you visit a zendo, plus a history of Zen from the founding of Buddhism to its major schools in the West. In addition to answering the most frequently asked questions, it offers a listing of American Zen centers and resources, an annotated bibliography, and a glossary. Jean Smith's enormously practical approach ensures that The Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism will become the book teachers and students alike will recommend.

SummaryBook Description Written for the neophyte who has no prior knowledge of the subject, Buddhism and Zen defines basic terms, translates key words, and answers the ten most frequently asked questions that are posed by Westerners interested in Zen Buddhism. Much of the Western world's interest in Zen is based on our growing awareness that the literal, the pragmatic, and the rational, while useful, often fail to explain the phenomena of the emotions, the unconscious, and the subconscious. Insights gleaned from psychoanalysis and various other forms of therapy have better prepared us for noncognitive enlightenment and paradox and non sequitur--it is no longer an unthinkable step from "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" to "The way that can be described is not the true way" and "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The Buddha said, "If you try to see me through my form, or if you try to hear me through my voice, you will never reach me and will remain forever a stranger to my teaching." This primer, first published in 1953 and long out of print, is a concise compendium of essential information for the seeker who wishes to explore Zen Buddhism.

SummaryThe life of the Buddha, his teachings, and his monastic order from the substance of this work - Buddhism portrayed in the words of the Buddhists themselves and from the basic texts. The Pali passages, done into vigorous English and accurately rendered, were choosen to make a systematically complete presentation of the subject. The abiding importance and value of the work has become ever clearer in the years since its first publication in Harvard Oriental Series. (From the back cover of the book).

Basic introduction to key Pali writings. Background on the Buddha, doctrines, monastic order and secular life. pub. 1896, used widely as a text. Original documents, notes, and critical edition.

SummaryThis concise and beautiful book demystifies Buddhism by explaining, without jargon or obscure terminology, what awakening is and how to practice it. What Buddha taught, says Stephen Batchelor, is not something to believe in but something to do...something that can be practiced every day.

SummaryFrom the Publisher In the words of Trevor Leggett, the compiler: "The texts here translated will give a general idea of Zen theory and practice. They are not technical Buddhist works but are for the layman. The backbone of the book is two series of lectures by two famous contemporary masters: Takashina Rosen, the present primate of the Soto sect and president of the Japan Buddhist Association, and Amakuki Sessan, a well-known master of the Rinzai sect." The book thus presents the viewpoints of the two main surviving transmissions of Zen Buddhism. It might well have for its epigraph this sentence from Takashina's contribution: "What I am going to say about Zen is not an adaptation of formal lectures, but intended as a talk to people who wish to have a correct knowledge of Zen and to understand it."

SummarySimple and Beautiful. Thich Nhat Hanh is a poet and a peacemaker. This book tells a story of love and compassion in a time of suffering and prejudice, showing the Buddha not as an unattainable concept or object of worship, but as a human being, as you and I. Just reading it evokes feelings of love and calm. Nathaniel Ward (carbon_theater@lycos.com), A reviewer, November 28, 2000.

This is simply the best book on the life of Lord Buddha from the time he was still just a young prince, through his journey towards enlightenment. Very detailed outstanding book. Josh (JDG4MCK@aol.com), 20 year old college student, April 4, 2000.

SummaryBook Description (Amazon.com) One Bird, One Stone is a distinctly American take on the ancient tradition and practice of Zen Buddhism. Drawn from the archives of major Zen centers in America and interviews with some of the most seminal figures of American Zen, including Philip Kapleau, Bernie Glassman, and Walter Nowick, One Bird, One Stone presents the notable encounters between teachers and students, the moments of insight and wisdom, the quotable quotes, and the humor of Zen as it has flowered in America over the last hundred-plus years.

SummaryThis is an excellent antholgy of the essential teachings of the Buddha edited and classified under different topics by Anne Bancroft. Reader can come back to it at any time to sip or drink the source.

10.TAKING THE PATH OF ZENby Robert Aitken
Publisher: North Point Press (ISBN #: 0865470804, Paperback, 150 pp, October 1980)
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SummaryFROM THE PUBLISHER There is a fine art to presenting complex ideas with simplicity and insight, in a manner that both guides and inspires. In Taking the Path of Zen Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity. The foundation of Zen is the practice of zazen, or mediation, and Aitken Roshi insists that everything flows from the center. He discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacher-student relations, and koan study, as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process. Throughout the book the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques. The orientation extends to various religious attitudes and includes detailed discussions of the Three Treasures and the Ten Precepts of Zen Buddhism. Taking the Path of Zen will serve as orientation and guide for anyone who is drawn to the ways of Zen, from the simply curious to the serious Zen student.